NIŠ STUDENT BEATEN BY POLICE CLEARED: He is now suing the Gendarmerie over fractures and injuries!

The Misdemeanor Court in Niš has acquitted Philosophy Faculty student Veljko Mušanović, who was charged with carrying a telescopic baton in his backpack during last year’s protest near “Crveni pevac,” students gathered in an informal group announced.

This is the student whose case sparked strong public reactions after footage was released showing a Gendarmerie officer striking him in the head and neck with an elbow while he was lying on the asphalt.

Although Mušanović suffered fractured fingers and head injuries at the time, the prosecution and police did not initiate proceedings against the officers, while a misdemeanor case was brought against the student under the Law on Weapons and Ammunition.

The verdict is not final, and the complainant has the right to appeal, with the final decision to be made by the Misdemeanor Appellate Court in Niš.

Niš students announced the first-instance acquittal, emphasizing that it was, as they put it, proof that young people fighting for justice are not criminals, while thanking attorney Jasmina Antonijević for her professional defense. During the trial, the defense emphasized the absurdity of a situation in which victims are prosecuted, noting that the disputed baton was inside a closed backpack and had not been used.

Following the court’s decision, Niš students announced that they would continue attending trials and supporting other colleagues who are still facing proceedings before the Niš judiciary.